Energy and Environment

Climate Action Plan
After months of hard work and preparation, we are pleased to present a draft of Carleton’s 2011 Climate Action Plan. This Climate Action Plan is an innovative tool that will allow the College to implement practical solutions over the next decade while maintaining an open-minded vision for future years. Over time, the plan will be adapted in response to technological, political, economic, and social changes. The plan will not only reduce Carleton’s carbon footprint but also mitigate future financial risk due to energy price fluctuations or potential greenhouse gas legislation. Please go to the Sustainability Initiatives site to learn more about the process and see the Plan.

Energy and water consumption data for campus buildings now onlineWant to know how much electricity your favorite building on campus used in March 2007? Now you can look it up online! You can also view the campus energy use touch screen information located in Sayles-Hill and the energy use touch screens in Cassat and James Halls online.

Rising Energy CostsThe College is asking every individual to help keep energy costs down. In this effort, the temperature in all College buildings will be set at 68°F during the winter and 74°F during the summer. If you think your space is routinely hotter or colder than it should be, please contact Facilities at x4133 to adjust your room temperature.

You can help conserve energyWhile Facilities Management staff employ technology and energy management strategies to reduce energy use, all students, faculty, and staff can take the following actions to conserve energy:

turn off lights when not in use.

when purchasing new office equipment, look for those with energy-saving features.

turn off office equipment and items such as coffee makers or fans before you leave for the day.

Why Conserve Energy?Individual students, faculty and staff members play a vital role in the success of the College’s energy conservation campaign. Energy conservation has been called the "least-cost" energy strategy, and for good reason. Energy conservation does more than just save money and jobs. It reduces environmental and social costs as well.

Energy conservation mitigates the numerous adverse environmental and social impacts associated with energy production and consumption. These include air pollution, acid rain and global warming, oil spills and water pollution, loss of wilderness areas, construction of new power plants, foreign energy dependence, and the risk of international conflict over energy supplies.

What You Can Do to Conserve EnergyThe individual role in energy conservation features adjustments in personal behavior (only small changes in work habits or accepting minor changes in the work environment), especially in lighting and equipment utilization, computer use, and fume hood operation. We―and the environment―continue to need your help.

Here’s how YOU, can be part of the community committed to conserving energy at Carleton:

Turn off the lights!

Turn off the lights in classrooms, offices or restrooms when the rooms are not being occupied.

Offices with dual light controls are asked to turn half the lights off.

When leaving for lunch or an appointment, turn off lights and any other small appliances in individual offices.

Do not use electrical space heaters. They can overload circuits; they are a fire hazard; and they are "energy hogs" (one electric space heater uses as much electricity as 45 fluorescent light fixtures).

Little things mean a lot!

Where you have control of your thermostat, set the heating set point no greater than 68 degrees and cooling to no less than 74 degrees.

Use blinds to control solar heat gains.

Make sure all heating and air conditioning systems under your control are turned off every night and every weekend.

Dress appropriately for the seasons and the comfort level of your work area. Keep a sweater in your office instead of adjusting the thermostat.

If you use a building after-hours or on weekends, do not expect the heating/cooling systems to be in full operation.

Keep doors closed in air conditioned and heated areas.

Use automatic door switches for handicap use only.

Avoid using elevators; take the stairs.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.

Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.

Summary and Thank You!Trying to reduce energy costs should be a concern to all members of the Carleton community. As an educational and research institution serving a worldwide clientele, we should set an example of conscientious and cost-effective use of non-renewable energy resources. These simple suggestions may not seem significant by themselves but, with everyone's participation, they can make a big difference.

Please contact Facilities Management with any questions you may have, 507-222-4167.